The first stanza, verses 1 through 3, and the fifth stanza, verses 13 through 15, are identical poetic expressions, praying for salvation from sure death. The basis of the continuing request is the love of God during the time of his favor (13). David has not given up hope in the Lord Almighty. David still has faith in the compassion of the Lord. His prayers continue. Though all he can do is repeat himself, David prays yet again. Though no one cares and he is mocked, David believes.
The lonely, who have faith in Jesus, when hurting is perhaps the hardest test one can undergo. When the trial continues, and prayer is not answered in the way desired, and tears return every morning, though taken out of the mirk, some mud remains on the clothes we put in the closet unwashed.
The first and the fifth stanza remind me of being baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. “We are therefore buried with him in baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:20-22) Jesus’ resurrection was after burial, and his burial was after death, and his death was after lonely pain. So, is the way of his disciples. Resurrection only follows slowly sinking in mirky waters and death.
“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection.” But in order to do so, I must die and be buried.
